Blackhound Genesis 1-4×24 FFP MOA — James Nicholas Personally Donates
In This Article
Quick answer: The Blackhound Optics Genesis 1–4×24 FFP MOA ($299.99 MSRP) is a true 1×-to-4× first-focal-plane low-power variable optic with MOA subtensions, built specifically for the close-to-mid-range working rifle. The Blackhound Genesis is the value-tier FFP LPVO competitor to Vortex Strike Eagle and Primary Arms SLx. James Nicholas (The XDMAN), the editor of Popular Suppressors, is personally donating one Blackhound Genesis from his own inventory as the bonus eighth prize on the 43rd Day of Silence.
The Blackhound Genesis is the eighth prize in the Day 43 package. The Blackhound Optics Genesis 1–4×24 FFP MOA is a compact, high-performance low-power variable optic (LPVO) purpose-built for shooters who need speed, versatility, and precision in short- to mid-range scenarios. Whether you’re running multi-gun competitions, hunting in thick cover, or training at the range, this scope bridges the gap between a red-dot sight and a traditional riflescope. Its true 1x magnification delivers a fast, intuitive sight picture with an innovative illuminated HALO reticle that essentially gives you a virtual red-dot experience for instant target acquisition, while the 4x zoom provides enough magnification for precise shots out to several hundred yards. The first focal plane (FFP) design ensures the reticle scales with magnification, so holdovers and ranging remain accurate at any power setting.
Engineered for real-world use, the Genesis features a rugged 30 mm tube, generous eye relief (3.3–3.93 inches), and a lightweight 1.21 lb package that keeps your rifle balanced and maneuverable. It offers 80 MOA of elevation and windage adjustment in crisp ½ MOA clicks, fixed parallax, and a 6-step intermittent illuminated reticle powered by a CR2032 battery. Every unit ships with a full complement of accessories, including a 30 mm Picatinny cantilever mount, lens caps, bubble levels, and tools—plus Blackhound Optics’ no-nonsense lifetime warranty. At an approachable price point, the Genesis 1-4×24 FFP MOA delivers premium features and reliable performance without breaking the bank.
Why I am personally donating this Blackhound Genesis
I am the editor of Popular Suppressors and the network-wide byline across Brand Avalanche Media. I am also a working firearms-industry author who keeps a personal inventory of optics, suppressors, and host firearms that rotate through testing and review. Somehow I “accidentally” bought two of the exact same scope for a review. Well that’s what I told my wife anyway. Fast forward and here we are putting together the biggest giveaway yet for the #100daysofsilence including a
- Magnum Research MLR-22 SwitchBolt 22 LR rifle
- BANISH 22 Suppressor
- A reloaders bundle with 10 pounds of powder and an RCBS powder dispenser
- Training: Ranch TX 1-Day Tactical Medical Course
The Blackhound Genesis 1–4×24 FFP MOA spec
The Blackhound Genesis sits in the heart of the LPVO category. The specs at a glance:
- Magnification: 1× to 4× variable
- Objective: 24mm
- Tube diameter: 30mm
- Reticle plane: First focal plane (FFP)
- Reticle: MOA subtensions with illuminated center dot
- Turret adjustment: 0.5 MOA per click
- Travel: 100 MOA per turn
- Eye relief: 3.5 inches
- Weight: 17.5 ounces
- Length: 10.2 inches
- Battery: CR2032 for illumination
- MSRP: $299.99
The first-focal-plane reticle is the differentiator at this price point. FFP means the reticle subtensions remain accurate at every magnification setting — 4× or 1×, the MOA holdovers measure the same on target. The competing second-focal-plane LPVOs in this price band require the user to be at maximum magnification for the reticle subtensions to read accurately, which constrains how the optic actually gets used in the field.
Blackhound Genesis vs the LPVO value-tier field
| LPVO | Magnification | Reticle plane | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blackhound Genesis 1–4×24 FFP MOA | 1-4× | FFP | $299.99 |
| Vortex Strike Eagle 1–6×24 | 1-6× | SFP | $329.99 |
| Primary Arms SLx 1–6×24 ACSS | 1-6× | SFP | $349.99 |
| Primary Arms SLx 1–6×24 FFP | 1-6× | FFP | $469.99 |
| Burris RT-6 1–6×24 | 1-6× | SFP | $329.00 |
The Blackhound Genesis is the only sub-$300 FFP LPVO in the comparison. The trade-off is the 1-to-4× magnification range vs the 1-to-6× range of the competing SFP options — the Genesis runs to 4× on the top end where the others run to 6×. For the working rifle and the suppressed-rimfire pack-rifle use case the Genesis is going into on the Day 43 host firearm, 4× is more than sufficient. For a 5.56 carbine that may need to reach 300-to-400 yards, 6× matters more.
Who the Blackhound Genesis 1–4×24 is for
The pack-rifle shooter on the suppressed-rimfire host firearm the Day 43 prize stack is built around. The 1-to-4× range covers the entire useful engagement window of a suppressed .22 LR.
The 5.56 carbine shooter working inside 200 yards who values FFP holdover accuracy over the additional 5-to-6× magnification range.
The reader who is choosing their first LPVO and wants FFP reticle behavior at a price that doesn’t require committing to a $500-plus optic on the first purchase.
The CCW instructor teaching carbine fundamentals who wants a stable of identical LPVOs on the loaner rifles. At $299.99, building a four-or-five-rifle loaner pool is achievable.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Blackhound Genesis 1–4×24 a new optic or a used one?
The optic from James Nicholas’s the XDMAN’s personal inventory is in like-new condition, although the package was opened so I could admire it. This was a second backup optic for me and as such was never mounted on a rifle because I never needed the backup. The winner receives the optic with the original Blackhound box and documentation.
Is there a sponsor relationship between Popular Suppressors and Blackhound Optics?
No. The Blackhound Genesis donation is a personal contribution from James Nicholas. Blackhound Optics is not a Popular Suppressors campaign sponsor on Day 43.
Why is the donation disclosed above the fold?
Popular Suppressors’ editorial standards require above-the-fold disclosure of any editorial contribution that could be perceived as a sponsorship. The donation is from the article author’s personal inventory, and the disclosure runs at the top of the article so the reader is informed before reading.
Is FFP or SFP the better choice in an LPVO at this price?
It depends on the use case. FFP keeps the reticle subtensions accurate at every magnification, which matters most for shooters who use holdovers at varying magnification settings. SFP is simpler and typically allows for thinner reticles at low magnification. For shooters who use the reticle as a holdover tool at multiple magnifications, FFP is the better choice; for shooters who use the reticle primarily at maximum magnification, SFP is acceptable.
Will the Blackhound Genesis 1–4×24 hold zero on a centerfire rifle?
Yes. The 30mm tube and the construction are rated for centerfire applications. While the optic is a natural fit for the rimfire host firearm on Day 43, it will hold zero on a 5.56, 6.5 Grendel, or .308 carbine with appropriate rings.
Does Blackhound’s warranty apply to the donated optic?
Yes. Blackhound Optics offers a limited lifetime warranty on its scopes. The donation does not affect warranty coverage; the winner can register the optic with Blackhound for full lifetime warranty support.
Where can I follow James Nicholas?
James is on X and Instagram at @therealxdman and runs his personal site at tacticool.com.
Can I see more LPVO coverage on Popular Suppressors?
Yes. Popular Suppressors covers low-power variable optics in the context of suppressor-host pairings and quiet-shooting applications. The category coverage is ongoing.
Editorial disclosure and methodology
The Blackhound Optics Genesis 1–4×24 FFP MOA included in the 43rd Day of Silence prize stack is personally donated by James Nicholas (The XDMAN), the editor of Popular Suppressors and the network-wide BAM byline, from his personal inventory. This is a non-cash editorial contribution disclosed above the fold. No sponsor relationship between Popular Suppressors and Blackhound Optics governs the contribution. Specifications and price comparisons in this article reflect manufacturer-published data verified against the brands’ current product pages prior to publication.
James Nicholas is the editor of Popular Suppressors and a gunsmith and author for Brand Avalanche Media. James personally donated the Blackhound Optics Genesis 1–4×24 FFP MOA included in the 43rd Day of Silence prize stack. Follow James on X and Instagram at @therealxdman or read his personal site at tacticool.com.
$299.99. First focal plane. MOA subtensions. The eighth prize in the Day 43 stack, donated from the editor’s own kit. Inside the 43rd Day of Silence → enter the giveaway.
Friday, May 29, 2026 · 6 a.m. – 10 p.m. CT · Free entry · U.S. 21+
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